Dr. Mark Laska is a visionary and leader in the environmental industry, pioneering ecological consulting and introducing innovative nature-based solutions over the past two and a half decades. His early concept of bringing an ecological approach to habitat design led to his forming Great Ecology in New York City in 2001.  Initially focusing on restoration ecology in urban habitats in the Northeastern US, Dr. Laska has now expanded both the company’s practice across the United States and internationally. Dr. Laska continues to lead Great Ecology from its current San Diego headquarters as it celebrates 22 years in business with well over 1,200 projects completed.

Dr. Laska’s innovative ecological approaches address environmental challenges and regulations while maximizing ecosystem services for a wide range of clients. He also has extensive experience supporting environmental litigation through various scientific services and as a technical consultant or expert witness.

In 2022, Dr. Laska received the National Wetland Award in Business from the Environmental Law Institute recognizing his 25+ years of dedication to wetland restoration and conservation. He has published numerous scientific papers, articles, and book chapters.  Dr. Laska holds a Doctorate in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University, a Master's in Ecology from Fordham University, and a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences from the University of Colorado.  He is most proud of the hundreds of dedicated scientists and designers who have passed through the doors of Great Ecology over two decades.

In addition to his work at Great Ecology, Dr. Laska is the co-founder of Eco Endowment Solutions, a financial management firm for environmental endowments. He is also co-founder of Tellurium Partners, a mitigation banking company. He is also an active investor in real estate and when not in the office, he enjoys biking, skiing, hiking and hanging on the beach. Dr. Laska lives with his wife and four daughters in La Jolla, California.

Dr. Laska's 5 Current Interesting Projects

• Permitting Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) geothermal lithium mining project in the Salton Sea area of California & implementing a large mitigation offset project in the desert

• Litigation regarding land lass in Coastal Louisiana

• Master planning for natural resources in Rico, CO

• Large-scale re-visioning of a landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

• Randall's Island salt marsh restoration (again!)